Evaluating ecological uniqueness over broad spatial extents using species distribution modelling

Abstract

Aim: Local contributions to beta diversity (LCBD) can be used to identify sites with high ecological uniqueness and exceptional species composition within a region of interest. Yet, these indices are typically used on local or regional scales with relatively few sites, as they require information on complete community compositions difficult to acquire on larger scales. Here, we investigate how LCBD indices can be used to predict ecological uniqueness over broad spatial extents using species distribution modelling and citizen science data. Location: North America. Time period: 2000s. Major taxa studied: Parulidae. Methods: We used Bayesian additive regression trees (BARTs) to predict warbler species distributions in North America based on observations recorded in the eBird database. We then calculated LCBD indices for observed and predicted data and examined the site-wise difference using direct comparison, a spatial autocorrelation test, and generalized linear regression. We also investigated the relationship between LCBD values and species richness in different regions and at various spatial extents and the effect of the proportion of rare species on the relationship. Results: Our results showed that the relationship between richness and LCBD values varies according to the region and the spatial extent at which it is applied. It is also affected by the proportion of rare species in the community. Species distribution models provided highly correlated estimates with observed data, although spatially autocorrelated. Main conclusions: Sites identified as unique over broad spatial extents may vary according to the regional richness, total extent size, and the proportion of rare species. Species distribution modelling can be used to predict ecological uniqueness over broad spatial extents, which could help identify beta diversity hotspots and important targets for conservation purposes in unsampled locations.

The coevolutionary mosaic of bat betacoronavirus emergence risk

“…a more unique community. Recent results by 60 shows that LCBD measures are robust with regards to spatial scale, and are therefore applicable at the global scale.…”